[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 18 (Friday, February 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E133-E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF KAYA TUNCER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 3, 2012

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to 
a committed community advocate, Kaya Tuncer. Kaya, an experienced 
Turkish-American entrepreneur and philanthropist from California, 
passed away on January 7, 2012, at the age of seventy-four.
  Kaya was born and raised in Turkey, moving to the United States at 
age 19 with only 80 dollars in his pocket. He put himself through 
college, first at Santa Ana College, then gaining a degree in civil 
engineering from University of California Berkley and an MBA from 
University of Southern California. Kaya's strong determination to 
succeed in the United States paid off. Kaya continued to live in the 
Los Angeles area for 49 years.
  Kaya began his successful business career as founder and chairman of 
the ESBAS Company, which was responsible for developing and operating 
the largest industrial park in Turkey, called the Aegean Free Zone. 
Kaya was a strong supporter of Turkish-American relations and devoted 
his life to creating a cultural understanding between peoples from both 
nations.
  His success as a businessman propelled him to give back to his home 
country of Turkey by inaugurating Space Camp Turkey in June of 2000. 
Kaya also created a foundation called Global Friendship through Space 
Education. Kaya's generosity allowed 150 students and teachers to 
attend National Space Camp Week each year. Since Kaya began the 
foundation, over 5,300 students from 27 countries have been awarded 
scholarships. Kaya's foundation shows his dedication to improving the 
lives young adults by expanding their experience and understanding of 
science.
  Today, the Global Friendship through Education foundation has 
developed a yearlong

[[Page E134]]

educational program to connect students and teachers in America with 
their counterparts in Turkey. This program has helped to create 
friendships as well as foster cultural understanding. Due to his 
tireless philanthropic efforts, Kaya was awarded the ``Advancement of 
Education in Turkey Award'' in 2002 by the Turkish-American Scientists 
in Washington DC as well as the ``Turkish-American of the Year'' in 
2003.
  Kaya is survived by his wife, Mary Mills Tuncer, his two daughters; 
Deniz and Ayshe; as well as two granddaughters. He leaves with 
cherished memories of a loving family. My thoughts and prayers, along 
with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Councilman Joe Baca 
Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with Kaya's family at this time. 
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring a beloved 
community member and tireless advocate, Kaya Tuncer.

                          ____________________